Lawmaker watches Derby from within her legislative district

Freshman state Rep. McKenzie Cantrell, D-Louisville, has witnessed the Kentucky Derby before, but this year she is up close and personal watching on from legislative seats near the finish line.

Cantrell is one of dozens of lawmakers who watch the most exciting two-minutes in sports, but she has a unique honor in that Churchill Downs, where the race is held, crosses into her legislative district.

“I’ve got my parents here for the first time and some friends, and we’re just looking to have a good day and welcome everyone to House District 38,” she said. “This area is in my community and this legislative district here, so it’s not all the time to welcome the world stage to your community and legislative district.”

Cantrell also talked politics with Spectrum News from the track with her views on the Medicaid waiver proposed by Gov. Bevin and the passage of the American Health Care Act by the U.S. House of Representatives.

“We’re hoping the Senate can be a little bit of a barrier for this new health care bill,” Cantrell said, adding that day-to-day she’s watching to see what happens with changes to Medicaid in Kentucky.

Cantrell filed legislation this year creating a state health care exchange, much like what was in existence before Gov. Bevin took office with kynect, she said she hopes to carry the bill again next session.